“The DUP is also adamant that genuine democrats should not be penalised for what others have done.

“My clear impression from today`s meeting is that the Government is looking at interim measures which fall short of devolving powers.

“That could mean some role where the Assembly scrutinise and advise.

“You could have a legislative Assembly, where in the absence of the executive and in the absence of a partner, namely the SDLP, to exclude Sinn Fein, Northern Ireland Office ministers would bring legislation to the Assembly for approval and there would be some form of scrutiny.

“Assembly members would also be able to initiate legislation on their own.”